Meal Musings: 3 Tips for Eating with Dentures

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss that remain popular today because of their many advantages. Your dentist can provide a full or partial set that’s designed to resemble your natural teeth and fit like a glove for beautiful results that enhance your smile’s function and appearance regardless of how many teeth went missing.

But it often takes about a month for the tongue and other soft tissues of the mouth to adjust to your restoration, and you might struggle to bite or chew until you’ve acclimated. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can help you learn to eat with your new dentures!

Tip #1: Start with Softer Foods

Gaps in your grin can make it harder to bite or chew meals thoroughly enough to be easily swallowed and digested, and you’re not alone if you’re eager to enjoy all your favorite foods again the moment you start wearing your new dentures.

But your restoration relies on a firm suction against your gum tissues to remain in place throughout the day, which can leave them feeling sore or swollen. As a result, many experts recommend sticking to softer foods until your mouth becomes more desensitized to its presence. Popular options include scrambled eggs, blended fruit smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, softly cooked vegetables, or boiled pasta.

Tip #2: Chew Carefully

Would you be surprised to learn that most people inadvertently chew more with one side of the mouth than the other? This subconscious habit might not be harmful under normal circumstances, but if you’ve just been fitted with dentures, it’s better to try to chomp down using both sides of your mouth equally.  

This is because frequently biting down on just one end of your arches can cause your prosthetic to become destabilized or dislodged, which only makes it that much harder to enjoy your meals. You might also consider chewing more slowly than usual and cutting your food into smaller, more manageable bites.

Tip #3: Drink Lots of Water

Would you be surprised to learn that many denture patients also experience dry mouth? Saliva is essential for proper eating and digestion because it mechanically breaks down your food before you’ve even swallowed it so that it can be more easily absorbed by the time it reaches your stomach and intestines.

Thankfully, even if your mouth lacks the required moisture, you can help aid the digestive process by drinking more water. This also helps rinse unwanted germs and leftover food from your mouth to keep your restoration clean and avoid common oral concerns, such as gum disease.

If you continue to struggle to eat with your new dentures, it may be time to contact your dentist so they can ensure your new teeth fit and function correctly!

Meet the Author

Dr. Philip Lisk has 20+ years of experience helping families improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill and is a valued member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including lifelike dentures, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (919) 870-6892.